How to study at the University of Bremen

Study at the University of Bremen

During the orientation weeks, we offer the info session “Study at the University of Bremen”, where international exchange students are introduced to the study system of the University of Bremen (e.g. courses, language courses, Stud.IP, exams and so on). The event is mandatory for all international exchange students and usually takes place during the third orientation week.

German: B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) English: B2 (only for courses taught in English) Most courses at the University of Bremen are taught in German. International exchange students should have sufficient knowledge of German in order to be able to follow courses and lectures successfully.

Classes and Exams

Information about the types of courses (lectures, seminars, exercises), types of examination (papers, exams, presentations) as well as information about how to write academic papers can be found on the website of each department or study course. One module often consists of different types of classes which should be selected in consultation with the departmental coordinator.

The type and date of exams will be announced by the teachers during the first few weeks of the semester. Most exams take place in the last week of the semester or up to three weeks after the end of the semester.

Learning German during the semester

International exchange students have the possibility to take part in a German language course during the semester provided that they successfully pass a placement test. Participants of the German intensive language course are able to register for the subsequent course at the end of the intensive course. International exchange students who are not taking part in the German intensive course must take a placement test in Bremen a few days before the semester starts. The dates of the placement test will be announced on the website of the language center (FZHB).

The first 4 "Semesterwochenstunden" (6 ECTS) are free of charge for nominated exchange students of partner universities. For additional German language courses a fee will be charged.

The Center for Foreign Languages / Fremdsprachenzentrum (FZHB) is responsible for providing interdisciplinary and curricular language courses at the university and the Hochschulen and also offers further courses and study options such as autonomous language learning in the independent language learning centres (ILCs), tandem learning, tutored independent study or individual coaching. German language courses are offered by the Department for German Language at the Goethe Institute.

Mensa & Cafeteria

Mensa card

The Mensa card is a simple way to pay at all of the University's canteens and cafeterias around town as well as at the University library (e.g. to print or copy). The Mensa card is available at the Info-Point of the Mensa during the opening hours (11:30 am – 2:15 pm). To receive the Mensa card, students must deposit 5 euro and present a matriculation certificate.

Library

The State and University Library Bremen (SuUB) is the city's largest and oldest academic library. As the designated central library of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, the SuUB supplies literature to universities and colleges across Bremen and Bremerhaven, while also acting as the state library.

Library card

In order to borrow books or use the computers in the library, a library card is needed. Students can apply for it online or at the library. To register, the following documents are needed: - Registration of residence ("Meldebestätigung"), - a valid proof of matriculation and - the ID or passport.

Study Buddy program

The Study Buddy program is designed to help international exchange students find their way around the university and the city of Bremen. Every international student participating in the program is matched with a student from Bremen as their „buddy“. The buddy will provide support for everyday life in Bremen.

The program is a great opportunity to make friends, socialize with people from other cultures, improve foreign language skills and have fun. The program starts during the first few weeks of the semester.